Everyone heads to a horse show with high hopes, aiming to put their best foot forward, showcasing hard work, and maybe even bringing home a win. But success in the show pen doesn’t just come from talent or luck; it starts long before the announcer calls your number.
The hours spent in the practice pen lay the groundwork for what unfolds in the arena. Yet, despite good intentions, many exhibitors unknowingly undermine their own performance with habits that backfire when it matters most.
To help riders make the most of their training time, Shannon McCulloch Bacon of McCulloch Training Stable shares valuable insights into five common pitfalls she sees in practice pen management, and how to avoid them.
Embrace the Messiness of Practice
Riding a fully trained horse feels amazing…it’s fun and effortless. However, not all horses naturally perform at that level, and reaching it takes years. It’s tempting to focus on the enjoyable aspects during practice, but Shannon advises against avoiding problem areas.
“Many practice like they’re showing, ignoring potential issues. Practice should be messy, addressing all areas needing improvement,” she suggests. Balance working on both strengths and weaknesses to achieve the best show performance.
Actionable Tips:
- Identify areas needing improvement.
- Balance fun drills with challenging ones.
Know When to Stop
Too much of a good thing can have unintended consequences. Recognize your and your horse’s limits. Shannon warns, “A horse may be giving their all, but extending practice beyond that can create new issues. Ending positively boosts confidence for the next session.” Conclude practice on a high note to foster a positive mindset.
Actionable Tips:
- Set time limits for practice sessions.
- Recognize signs of fatigue in your horse.
Use Two Hands Wisely
While sometimes necessary, relying too much on two hands may not translate well in the show pen. “Two hands can refine maneuvers but should transition into one-handed control for shows,” Shannon states. Alternate between two and one-hand positions until your horse responds correctly.
Actionable Tips:
- Practice maneuvers with both hand positions.
- Gradually shift to one-handed control.
Prepare at Home, Shine at Showtime
Nerves in the warm-up pen can be a double-edged sword. Observing others can lead to self-doubt and overextension. “Avoid pushing horses beyond their trained level at shows,” Shannon advises. Instead, admire others’ skills and set them as future goals.
Actionable Tips:
- Focus on your horse’s abilities, not others’.
- Set realistic performance goals.
Perfect Your Position
A rider’s sense of connection with their horse comes from extensive practice. “Improvement in rider position doesn’t happen magically at shows, it requires consistent work at home,” Shannon emphasizes. Maintain your skill level from home to show consistent results.
Similarly, stiffening posture in the name of Horsemanship can negatively affect scores. “Stiffness disrupts rhythm crucial for Horsemanship,” Shannon points out. Stay fluid to connect better with your horse.
Actionable Tips:
- Practice rider position regularly.
- Focus on fluidity over stiffness.
Avoid these pitfalls to ensure both horse and rider enjoy a more successful show experience. And maybe even bring home that win.
